LPS Clarifies Some Misconceptions on Budget

Livingston Public Schools has recently posted on its website a response to what it calls "5 Common Rumors about the 2010-2011 Budget."  A brief explanatory article dispels what LPS deems the five most common rumor circulating about the 2010-2011 budget, which the public will vote on tomorrow in the Annual School Board Election.

Also, tonight at 7  p.m. in the auditorium of Livingston High School, Superintendent Dr. Brad Draeger will hold a "town hall" style meeting to answer voters' questions about the proposed school budget. 

Below are the five "rumors" and accompanying "facts" for answers, as they appear on the LPS website:

Rumor #1.  The Administration is large, untouched and not making any sacrifices.

Fact #1.  Two assistant principal positions are being eliminated. One central office position is being eliminated.  All administrators, principals, supervisors and central office staff have agreed to salary freezes for the 2010-2011 school year.  All supervisors will be teaching additional classes and supervisors with 12 month contracts will be reduced to 10 months.

Rumor #2.   If the budget is defeated the Township Council will restore programs.

Fact #2.  The Township Council could increase the LPS budget, keep the budget the same or recommend cuts from $1 dollar to many millions of dollars.  There is no history in recent years of any town council increasing a school budget.   It is also unusual for a town council to keep the budget the same.  It is most likely, that if defeated, the Township Council will make a cut.  Any further reductions ensure that the current list of cuts will not be restored and that additional cuts further impacting students, teachers and parents will be made.

Rumor #3.   If the budget is defeated, the Township Council starts from scratch in developing the 2010-2011 school budget.

Fact #3.  The budget sent to the Township Council is the budget that was approved at the March 31 public hearing.  Any recommended changes are based upon that budget.

Rumor #4.  If the budget is defeated and the Township Council makes additional cuts, there will be no tax increase.

Fact #4.  In order to have a 0% tax increase, the budget would have to be reduced  by an additional $4.3 million.  The $4.3 million would be in addition to the $5.1 million included in the 2010-2011 budget being voted on April 20.

Rumor #5.  If the budget is defeated the teachers' union will get the message and agree to a salary freeze.  

Fact #5.  The Livingston Education Association has a contract that expires on June 30, 2011 and are under no obligation to renegotiate their existing contract, no matter how the vote turns out.